Summer’s in the air, the SPF’s on standby, and your hair is practically begging for a glow-up. If you’ve been itching for a fresh new shade that screams main character energy, this is your sign.
Instead of scrolling Instagram for the hundredth time trying to find “the one,” we’ve done the heavy lifting.
These 2025 summer hair color ideas aren’t just gorgeous—they’re stylist-approved, screenshot-worthy, and ready to bring straight to your next salon visit.
And unlike that random reel you saved at 2am, we actually break down who each shade suits, how to keep it looking fab, and why it’s a total vibe for summer.
From dreamy soft copper to punchy pastel lavender, this list has something for every mood, skin tone, and level of commitment (bleach-wise and otherwise).
Let’s find your next hair obsession, shall we?
Top Summer Hair Colors On Trend This Year
If you’re considering a new shade for summer, you’re in luck: there are a number of beautiful colors that are on trend right now.
From natural-looking blondes to bright neons, there’s something for everyone.
So whether you’re looking for a subtle change or a radical transformation, be sure to check out some of this year’s hottest hair colors.
1. Ash Blonde Highlights
Vibe: Chic, soft, and understated—this is the cool girl version of sun-kissed.
Suits: Best for those with cool or neutral undertones. It looks amazing on naturally dark blonde or light brown bases.
Maintenance: Medium. The ash tone tends to fade warm, so you’ll need purple shampoo or a toner refresh every 4–6 weeks.
Pro tip: Ask for babylights or a balayage blend to keep it natural-looking and root-friendly.
Why It Works for Summer: It brightens the face without overpowering your features. Perfect if you want a subtle glow-up that still feels polished and modern.
2. Spiced Rum
Vibe: Warm, sultry brunette with cinnamon-y depth.
Suits: Warm undertones or darker skin tones. It’s rich enough to feel luxe but casual enough to wear with denim.
Maintenance: Low to medium. The red tones will fade, so tone it with a copper gloss now and then.
Pro tip: Looks amazing with textured or curly hair—it enhances definition!
Why It Works for Summer: It’s rich and warm without being too heavy, making it ideal for transitioning from air-conditioned office to rooftop drinks. It also adds gorgeous contrast to dewy summer skin.
3. Icy platinum blonde
Vibe: Bold, dramatic, and impossibly cool—this is statement hair.
Suits: Cool undertones are ideal, but anyone can rock this with the right makeup and attitude. Looks especially striking on pale skin with pink or blue undertones.
Maintenance: High. Platinum means serious bleaching, toning, and a ride-or-die purple shampoo. You’ll also need protein treatments to keep breakage at bay.
Pro tip: Ask your stylist for a toner that leans slightly silvery to fight brass and boost that icy effect.
Why It Works for Summer: It reflects sunlight like a dream and makes every outfit pop. Plus, if you’re going to bleach it, you may as well do it when the weather’s hot and full of main character energy.
4. Golden Sunset Blonde
Vibe: California beachy with a golden-hour filter.
Suits: Warm and neutral undertones, or anyone with a summer tan.
Maintenance: Surprisingly low. Ask your stylist for a rooted version or soft balayage—fewer touch-ups!
Pro tip: Purple shampoo only occasionally—you don’t want to kill the warm tones.
Why It Works for Summer: It’s literally sunshine bottled into hair color. This shade plays beautifully with natural light and gives off effortless beach-babe vibes—even if your summer is more sidewalk café than sandy shore.
5. Lived-in Espresso
Vibe: Rich brunette with a lazy-girl twist.
Suits: Olive, medium, or deeper skin tones especially look good in espresso—but it’s universally flattering.
Maintenance: Low. You can stretch appointments up to 10 weeks if the highlights are subtle.
Pro tip: Use a shine serum or glaze to keep it glossy, not muddy.
Why It Works for Summer: It’s your natural color’s stylish cousin—perfect for embracing depth without heat-styling. Plus, it grows out like a dream if you’re off on a no-maintenance vacay.
6. Soft Copper Glow
Vibe: Warm, glowy, and rich—copper is like sunshine in a bottle.
Suits: Best for warm or neutral skin tones. Think peachy cheeks, golden undertones.
Maintenance: Medium. It fades gently into strawberry hues, but you’ll want a sulfate-free shampoo to keep that warmth popping.
Pro tip: A gloss every 4–6 weeks keeps the shine locked in.
Why It Works for Summer: It mimics the warm glow of golden hour, and looks absolutely dreamy against sun-kissed skin. Bonus: it fades gracefully, like a sunset.
7. Crème Brûlée Blonde
Vibe: Layered blonde tones like vanilla, gold, and caramel—literal dessert hair.
Suits: Anyone with neutral or golden undertones. Think versatile and sun-kissed.
Maintenance: Medium. Toners are your friend to keep brassiness at bay.
Pro tip: Ask for a shadow root or lived-in balayage to stretch your salon visits.
Why It Works for Summer: All those warm, buttery tones practically beg to be shown off in the sun. It’s beachy but elevated—think Bondi chic meets Paris café.
8. Golden Brunette
Vibe: Brown hair kissed with caramel and honey—warm, luxe, and never boring.
Suits: Great for medium skin tones or anyone with golden or olive undertones.
Maintenance: Low. Add glosses to enhance shine and tone every 6–8 weeks.
Pro tip: Looks stunning in natural sunlight and with soft curls.
Why It Works for Summer: This is brunette’s lighter, flirtier alter ego. It glows beautifully against tanned skin and won’t clash with bronzer, blush, or your glowiest SPF.
9. Strawberry Brown Balayage
Vibe: Think “brunette who flirts with red”—a subtle mix of berry and brown.
Suits: Neutral to cool undertones, especially pale skin tones looking for a little warmth.
Maintenance: Medium. Red tones can fade fast, so use color-safe products and refresh glosses.
Pro tip: This looks chef’s kiss with a textured lob or long layers.
Why It Works for Summer: It gives you a rosy flush without any makeup—perfect for no-fuss summer days. And it adds just enough spice to keep things interesting while staying low-commitment.
10. Cherry Cola
Vibe: A rich, multidimensional blend of deep red and brunette tones, reminiscent of the classic soda’s hue.
Suits: Ideal for those with warm or neutral undertones. This shade enhances brown eyes and adds depth to medium to dark skin tones.
Maintenance: Medium. Red pigments can fade faster, so using color-safe shampoos and regular gloss treatments will help maintain vibrancy.
Why It Works for Summer: The warm, reddish tones catch the sunlight beautifully, giving hair a luminous, summery glow. It’s a bold yet wearable choice that stands out in the summer crowd.
11. Mocha Mousse
Vibe: A sophisticated, creamy brunette shade with subtle cool undertones, offering a polished and elegant look.
Suits: Flattering for those with cool or neutral skin tones. It’s especially complementary to green or hazel eyes.
Maintenance: Low to medium. The cool tones help in reducing brassiness, and regular use of a color-protecting shampoo will keep the shade fresh.
Why It Works for Summer: Mocha Mousse provides a rich, glossy finish that doesn’t fade easily in the sun. It’s a great choice for those seeking a low-maintenance yet chic summer hair color.
Finding Your Perfect Summer Shade: How to Choose the Right Hair Color for Your Skin Tone
Choosing the right hair color isn’t just about following trends—it’s about finding what genuinely complements your skin tone.
This summer, pick a hair color that not only turns heads but also enhances your natural beauty. Here’s how you can select the best shade for your skin tone, with tips from top hair color experts:
Understand Your Skin’s Undertone
Your skin’s undertone is the key to unlocking flattering hair color choices. Skin undertones are generally categorized into three types: cool, warm, and neutral. Here’s a quick guide:
- Cool undertones: Your skin may have hints of blue or pink. Silver jewelry typically looks great on you. Summer colors like icy blondes and cool browns will enhance your complexion.
- Warm undertones: Your skin might glow with a peachy, golden, or yellow cast, and gold jewelry looks stunning on you. Opt for hair colors like golden blondes, rich reds, and deeper brunette shades with caramel highlights.
- Neutral undertones: You can rock both warm and cool colors effectively. Most hair colors will naturally complement your skin, but summer offers the unique opportunity to experiment with both bold and subtle shades.
Consult with a Pro
“Choosing the right hair color is as much about science as it is about aesthetics,” says Alex Thompson, a renowned colorist with over a decade in the industry. “A professional stylist can help you navigate through the vast spectrum of colors to find one that elevates your natural complexion while suiting your personal style.”
Consider Seasonal Influences
Summer is the perfect time to lighten up your look. “Lighter shades can reflect more sunlight, giving you a radiant glow,” notes Enza Piazza, our very own stylist famous for her transformative color work. Consider softer, lighter hues if you spend a lot of time outdoors, as they can offer a refreshing and rejuvenating look.
Test Before You Commit
If you’re unsure about a color, try a temporary dye or highlights first. This approach lets you test out how well a color works with your skin tone without a long-term commitment.
Maintenance and Care
“Remember, the lighter you go, the more care your hair will need,” advises Thompson. Invest in color-safe shampoos and conditioners, and consider adding a UV protectant spray to your hair care routine to maintain your color’s vibrancy and health throughout the season.
Everything You Need to Know About Rocking Summer Hair Colors
What hair colors are in this summer?
Natural-looking hair colors are definitely having a moment this summer. So, if you’re thinking about coloring your hair, you might want to consider going for a shade that’s close to your natural hue.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with your hair color!
While some hair color trends come and go with the seasons, others manage to stick around for a few years.
Lighter hair colors are the aim of the game in summer time. And shades like super light platinum blonde are a great way to add some edge to your style.
Plus, lighter colors are perfect for showing off your sun-kissed skin.
If you’re not ready for such a dramatic change, don’t worry – there are plenty of other on-trend hair colors to choose from.
From soft pastels to rich jewel tones, there’s something for everyone. So go ahead and experiment – after all, summer is the perfect time to try something new!
Check out the latest looks for ideas and inspiration.
Should hair be lighter or darker in the summer?
In the summer, the sun shines brighter and the days are a little longer.
This is the perfect time to experiment with your hair color and go for a lighter shade.
Lighter hair reflects more light and looks ultra-feminine when paired with a sun-kissed complexion.
If you’re looking to go lighter, highlights or balayage can do the trick.
Highlights are small sections of hair that are dyed a shade or two lighter than your natural color.
Balayage is a technique where color is applied freehand to create a more natural, sun-kissed look.
You can also lighten your hair naturally using items you’ll already have in the kitchen cupboard!
On the one hand, lighter hair tends to look more flattering in the warmer months. It also has a tendency to make you look more sun-kissed and carefree.
On the other hand, dark hair can be incredibly sexy and glamorous, particularly if you’re lucky enough to have a natural tan.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference. If you’re looking for a change, why not experiment with both light and dark shades to see what looks best on you?
Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, you could always go for a bold new color altogether.
Who knows, you might just find your new signature look.
Are summer hair colors warm or cool?
Whether you’re feeling daring and want to try a bright and colorful hue, or you’re looking for something more subtle, there are endless options to choose from.
But when it comes to summer hair colors, is it better to go for a warm or cool tone?
First, let’s define what we mean by “warm” and “cool.”
Warm tones are typically those with a golden or reddish hue, while cool tones tend to be bluer and brighter.
Summer colors are typically cool colors. But that doesn’t mean you can’t go for warm hair colors if that’s what suits your natural coloring and undertones.
With that in mind, here are a few things to consider when choosing a summer hair color.
- If you want a color that will complement your tan, go for a warm shade.
- Warm tones will also help to give your skin a healthy and natural-looking glow.
- On the other hand, if you’re fair-skinned or don’t want to look too “done up,” a cool shade may be better for you.
- Bright and vibrant colors can also help to refresh your look and give you an instant confidence boost.
So whatever your preference, there’s definitely a summer hair color out there for you!
If you’re unsure what your undertones are, just use our handy checklist below!
If you have cool undertones:
- You blush easily!
- Your skin tone is pink or pale.
- Jewel and pastel colours are so your thing.
- Pearls and silver jewellery look awesome on you.
- The colour yellow washes you out and does not look good on you.
- You have blue not green veins in your wrist.
If you have warm undertones:
- You have red or golden tones in your natural hair.
- Your skin tone is golden, tan or olive.
- Gold jewellery looks awesome on you
- You might have freckles.
- You have green not blue veins in your wrist.
- You suit bright or rich shades better.
What color should I dye my hair for summer?
When it comes to summer hair colors, the sky is the limit!
Whether you want to go for a classic blonde or something a little more out there, there are endless possibilities to choose from.
Not sure where to start? You can take our quick quiz to find out which hair colors suit you!
Which hair colors suit you?
Just answer a few quick questions to find out what other hair colors most suit you!
Which Hair Color Suits You?
How can I care for my hair in summer?
The sun, salt water, and chlorine can all take a toll on your hair color and condition in summer.
To keep your locks looking their best, be sure to use a quality, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.
You may also want to use a leave-in conditioner or treatment mask once a week to help keep your hair hydrated.
And of course, don’t forget to protect your hair with a hat or scarf when you’re spending time in the sun to stop your color from fading!
Parting words.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about these summer hair color ideas!
Remember, when choosing a new hair color, it’s important to consider your skin tone and what will complement your complexion.
Have fun experimenting with different shades and colors until you find the perfect one for you!
Found your perfect shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @coloredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair color stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.
Our Research & Review Process
To ensure our recommendations are as comprehensive and reliable as possible, we’ve undertaken an extensive research effort.
We cite scientific evidence and journals, collect real user reviews and gather impartial perspectives from hair stylists, users, and experts in the field.
Additionally, we conduct hands-on testing by using products and applying hair dyes not only on our own locks but also on real human hair extensions and hair pieces of different hair type, textures and lengths.
This rigorous approach allows us to provide you with insights into which products genuinely live up to their promises.
As always – please consult with a professional hair colorist or stylist for advice on how to color your own hair at home. It’s different for everyone!
